Plumbing Tips and Advice (9)

The purchase of a new water heater can be a costly investment, and one that you have to live with for over a decade. So, when considering replacing your old water heater or equipping your new home, it’s important to consider 3 things: lifespan, efficiency and cost before making your decision.

Here at Central we have put together a list of benefits to help homeowners determine what the best option is for them and so an informed decision can be made.

Benefits of Switching to a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters never run out of water; they have an endless supply

You’ll gain extra space with a tankless water heater. They are small enough to be placed on a wall or even in a cabinet

With a tankless unit there is no flood risk due to ruptured tank

Tankless water heaters do not consume as much energy as a traditional unit because they only need enough power to heat water as it is being used

Tankless water heaters allow you to consume less energy because tankless water heaters only need enough power to heat water as it’s being used. They also do not experience lost heat during standby times

With a tankless unit you can save on your bill because you use less energy

The life expectancy of a tankless water heater is typically more than 20 years because it is less exposed to corrosion. PLUS they have easily replaceable parts, which extends its life even more—Where storage water heaters usually only last 10-15 years

Before moving forward and investing in a new water heater, we encourage you to compare and weigh your options. If you’re not sure what option is best for you, call the pros at CENTRAL and request an appointment with one of our plumbing specialists today!

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Wondering if you have a water leak in your plumbing? Below are 5 tell-tale signs that may help you determine whether it’s time to call the plumbing pros at CENTRAL!

Water Bill Is Unusually High – Even a small leak if let go can lead to significant water waste. The most common issues of leakage are a dripping faucet, leakage in toilet flappers, or leaking valves, all of which can be easily fixed. fixing just one can save almost 10% of a homeowner’s water bill.

Constant Sound of Water Noise – All the water sources are turned off in your home, yet you still hear the sound of water dripping or water flowing.. . Don’t just ignore these sounds, they have the potential of a high-dollar fix if let go. Call on the PROS at CENTRAL to identify the location of the leak.

Constant Funky Smell – We all know that smell. It’s musty and stagnant and we immediately associate with mold and moisture. When leaks go left untreated they lead to mold growth. If you want to find where the leak is coming from…follow your nose to where the scent is strongest.

Wet Spots NOT Caused by the Family Pet – Have you found a warm wet spot that “wasn’t” left behind by the family dog? This warm, wet-spot may indicate a leaking pipe or slab leak. DO NOT IGNORE THIS! Call the Pros at CENTRAL. This kind of leak can cause major structural damage.

Decrease in Water Pressure – When water is constantly flowing through your pipes via a leak, that means less water is able to travel to your faucets and other water fixtures when you need it. So if you notice reduced water pressure without a “good” reason. Give us a call, you may have a slab leak.

If you are experiencing any of the above issues, don’t hesitate to call the professionals at CENTRAL to diagnose and treat the problem. At Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical your ‘comfort’ is always our CENTRAL concern! Call 406-756-6656 for all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and drain cleaning needs.

Have you ever been in a situation that your toilet unexpectedly clogs and is overflowing and you don’t have a plunger? Maybe you never had one or you just can’t find the one you do have. Now what? If it’s a simple problem that you can deal with on your own, there really is no reason to call a plumber.

Here’s a quick “Do It Yourself” (DIY) fix that doesn’t need a plumber or a plunger:

Gather the following items before starting:

One box of baking soda

One gallon of vinegar

Rubber gloves

Garbage bag

A bucket

Old towels

Step 1: if the toilet is overflowing or about to…surround the toilet base with old towels to keep it from spreading the overflowing toilet water and having a bigger mess to clean up.

Step 2: If the toilet bowl has solids in it and is/ or about to overflow you’ll want to put rubber cloves on and reach in and empty any solids into the garbage bag and fasten or tie closed for disposal. Then dip out water with a bucket or other container and in another toilet (or this one after its unclogged) - This part is smelly and gross, but you want to avoid having any or more spill out on the floor.

Step 3: Pour one full regular sized boxes of baking soda into the toilet.

Step 4: SLOWLY pour vinegar into the toilet bowl. The baking soda and vinegar will create a foaming action when they come in contact with each other, so you want to manage the reaction and not create an eruption of frothy toilet water and create a bigger mess.

Step 5: Let the baking soda/ vinegar-mixture sit for about 30 or so minutes.

Step 6: After allowing the mixture to do its “thing”, flush the toilet. This should have fixed the problem and cleared the clog.

Step 7: To help prevent problems down the road, take hot (not boiling – this will crack your bowl) water and pour into the bowl to help flush through anything remaining from the clog after initially clearing the clog.

Step 8: Do a final clean up and disinfect the area contaminated with the toilet water. Now you’re good to go.

It didn’t fix the clog… NOW WHAT?

Try using a straightened out wire clothing hanger and probe at the clog to see if you can loosen the object that is clogging the toilet-- to allow the water to freely flow.

What if I don’t have vinegar and baking soda?

Try dipping most of the water and solids out of the bowl and pour a few cups of hot (again not boiling) tap water into the bowl and wait 10 minutes. This may be enough to loosen the clog without having to run to the store and buying vinegar and baking soda.

If the hot water alone doesn’t work, try pouring generous amounts of any type of liquid soap into the bowl. This can be laundry detergent, hand soap, dishwasher liquid soap or even shampoo. Again pour several cups of hot (not boiling water into the bowl and wait 20 minutes and see if it’s cleared the clog.

If none of these “Do It Yourself” (DIY) tricks work, it is time to call the plumbing pros at Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical. We’ll help you get your toilet back to flushing in know time at all!

Plumbing disasters can happen any time of year, but there is no question that the winter months bring different challenges to homeowners in the Flathead Valley. So preventative planning and maintenance is needed to protect against potential cold weather plumbing damage.

Below is a list of common winter plumbing problem that you can encounter in an average year. This list will help you identify whether it’s time to call the plumbing professionals at Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical and protect your home against more damage.

Frozen PipesYou’re pipes are at serious risk of freezing as the winter months bring in the frigid temperatures. An ounce of prevention can help protect against potential cold weather damage. If you do encounter an issue with frozen pipes, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply as soon as possible. This will reduce the possibility of your pipes bursting as you reduce the pressure in the pipes. After you’ve done this, it is important to call Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical to avoid serious damage to the rest of your system.

Water Line Leak or BreakBlockages can be caused by standing water in your pipes freezing, after the temperatures have dropped. Over time, serious pressure can build up in your pipes, potentially causing them to break or leak. If you think it is possible that you have an ice blockage in your lines, use the shut off valve in your home to protect against damage until the blockage is melted away. If the blockage persists, it is time to call in the plumbing professionals.

Poor HeatingIn the summer, boiler systems stay inactive for months at a time, but as it gets colder and we crank up the heat again - it puts great amounts of sudden strain on the system, which unfortunately can lead to unexpected breakdowns at the worst possible time. If it feels like your boiler system is not pushing out the amount of heat needed, you may want to check your boiler pressure and check to be certain the power source is working. In the event there is a problem, calling a professional is generally the fastest, safest option to identify and fix the issue.

Water Heater BreakdownNobody likes an unexpected cold shower on a cold winter day. but that’s exactly what you may get when your have water heater failure. Typically, the standard water heater has a life span of about 10 years. If you notice your water heater making strange noises or not doing its job, it may be time to call a plumbing professional to assess the situation and possibly consider getting replacement.

Are you keeping your home in tip-top shape? Home ownership goes beyond just purchasing a house and the financial responsibility. It also requires regular home upkeep and maintenance to keep it running without issue. No different than your car needing a regular oil change.

Obviously we all love to play when the sun is shining, but because of the prolonged sunlight that the season brings, it is also a good time to focus on any projects that we have been putting off.

Here’s a list of summer home maintenance tasks to help you get started and so your home will be happy and healthy for years to come.

Inspect plumbing and check for leaks – Check every faucet, toilet and water source in your home for small leaks; and repair as needed. Also check your faucets for poor water pressure. If there are no visible leaks present, there’s a good chance that it’s caused by a clogged aerator on the faucet tip, which is an easy fix. If the problem continues after replacing the aerator, call the plumbing professionals at Central.

Check and clean dryer vent – When the dryer is turned on and running check that exhaust is exiting the vent. It should smell like fresh, clean laundry. If there doesn’t appear to be much exhaust, look for any possible blockages and vacuum all lint from the hose at the dryer to avoid any mishaps.

Check windows – If you are trying to keep the heat out when running the AC, one of the key tasks in maintaining your windows is to routinely check for any cracks in the sealants. Make sure inside and outside is secured and caulk any open areas in between. Also check that your weather stripping isn’t damaged or old and replace it immediately. If you are cleaning between the grooves, a small paintbrush or old toothbrush works great to clean out the hard to reach areas.

Preventing mold and mildew – With the humidity that comes with summer, it’s easy for mold and mildew to grow and become a nuisance. The key to prevention is air circulation. When you leave the shower, leave the shower door or curtain open to allow them to dry. Also leave your washer and dryer doors open when possible to avoid the growth of smelly bacteria.

Turn it off! – On hot days avoid using your oven or stove. Both create heat build up in your home and can make your air conditioning work harder to keep your house cool. Using the outside grille is a nice and many times healthier alternative. Also, install energy efficient lighting that runs cooler. Only 10-15% of incandescent lights result in light, the rest just creates heat.

The frigid winters of Montana can create a myriad of problems within your home if not prepared. Frozen plumbing pipes that burst is one of those avoidable and often messy issues that can be avoided with an ounce of prevention.

Not every pipe that freezes will burst, but when they do it is because water expands as it freezes which adds extra stress and pressure on the plumbing pipes. That extra anxiety placed on the pipes may cause a crack down the length of the pipe that originally started with just a tiny leak, and then may turn into a flood situation within your home.

Below are a few quick tips that will help:

Identifying Frozen Pipes

Toilets will not refill in the bowl after flushing

Faucets will not release water

Not all pipes will be visible, but if you see a line that is coated in frost and bulging

Thawing Frozen Pipes

Use a hair dryer, space heater or heat lamp

Thermostatically controlled heat tape in frozen area

NEVER use a blowtorch! A fire would be worse than your current issue

Dealing with a Pipe that Burst

If a flood appears in your basement, shut off the main water supply as soon as you identify the problem to lessen the flooding. The sooner you shut off the valve the less it will cost you

With out delay, remove as much of the water as possible to dry the area. Use and availability of wet/dry vac, mops and towels will be helpful

Call the experts at Central Heating, Cooling Plumbing and Electrical right away!

Preventing it from Happening

Insulate any hot and cold water pipes that may be in basements, garage, crawl spaces, attic and under cabinets

Allow air to circulate around plumbing by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors

Keep a consistent temperature day and night, by temporarily not lowering night time temperatures

Allow water to drip from faucets that have exposed pipes when it is very cold; it will help prevent the pipes from freezing

If the unthinkable should take place, it is best to act fast and call Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical so that you can reduce extra costly repairs and damage.

Have ever been in a position where you are sitting in your living room reading a book, watching TV or listening to music and all of a sudden you notice water dripping from your ceiling for no apparent reason? Fear not . . .it’s not a storm, it’s either a leaking water heater or quite possibly it burst!

All of this can be avoided by checking your water heater regularly for preventable issues.

1.) Rusty tank – Steel water tanks over time will rust after the internal rust protection element called a “sacrificial” anode rod, deteriorates. A good indication you have a problem with your water heater is if when you run the hot water from the faucet and the water comes out with a brown or rust-like color to it.

How to prevent this issue: Once the warranty has expires, inspect the anode rod at least once a year. Every 4-5 years you will probably need to change the anode rod, and possibly sooner if you use a water softener.

2.) Build-up of sediment – Minerals from hard water called sediment will settle to the bottom of your water tank. This layer of sediment creates an insulated layer, which blocks the water from the burner and causes the water heater to run longer to heat the water causing it to overheat and break down and deteriorate the tank.

If you can hear popping or crackling noises, it’s a good indication that water is trapped under the sediment and is bubbling up and trying to escape.

How to prevent this issue: Once a year flush and drain the tank to remove the sediment to ensure your water heater is working properly.

2.) Under Internal Pressure – Picture yourself blowing air into a balloon . . . What happens f you blow too much air? POP! Too much pressure pops the balloon. The same thing will happen in your water heater when too much pressure builds up in the tank. Eventually the tank will leak, burst and or even quite possibly explode to allow the pressure to escape.

Luckily, your water heater uses a temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve, which releases some of the water to reduce the pressure. But, even with the T&P the extra valve it can break down the tank. If the valve leaks or keeps opening to release water, pressure will build up in the tank and eventually lead to the inevitable.

How to prevent this issue: When the temperature of the water heater is set to high (140-145) pressure builds in the tank. Keep your water heater temperature at approximately 120-125 degrees. This will reduce your chances of scalding yourself and creating too much pressure. You should also test the T&P valve twice a year to ensure that it is properly relieving the tank pressure.

The best way to ensure your water heater is maintenanced properly – Even though these tasks are not difficult to do on your own, they are easy to forget amongst our busy lives. So call CENTRAL and schedule an appointment today!

It's hard to believe that spring is just around the corner. When it does finally get here and you venture down into the basement to get out your summer gear, hopefully you will not have to put on your fishing waders prematurely.

Having a sump pump installed in your home can give you peace of mind. A sump pump is commonly installed in the basement of your home or crawl space to remove water that may accumulate from rain, snow melt or natural ground water, especially this time of year as the ground begins to thaw out.

In many homes, a sump pump is an integral part of the foundation drainage system so a failure could be catastrophic. Five to seven years is the typical life span of a sump pump, but this will vary based on usage. The pump may fail unexpectedly or be unable to keep up during periods of heavy rain, leaving your basement vulnerable to costly water damage.

Following are some of the most common sump pump problems and what you can do to avoid a basement flood:

POWER FAILURE — Like any other electric appliance in your house, your primary sump pump is no different: Without power, it is completely worthless. Install an alarm or electronic level control switch for added insurance against failure. Even more fool-proof is having a sump pump system installed. A licensed and insured plumber can take your peace of mind to the next level.

SWITCH WAS STUCK — Not all switches are created equal. There are several different types of sump float switches. Some are much better against getting stuck, a good reason to have your sump pump checked for the correct switch for your pump.

PUMP WAS OVERWHELMED — Not all sump pumps are equal, and you get what you pay for. Minimally, you need a 1/3 horsepower sump pump capable of pumping 35 gallons of water per minute. Much less horsepower than that and your sump pump might not be able to keep up with the flow of water. If your house sits in a higher water table and/or if you hear your sump pump running frequently, upgrade to a 1/2 horsepower pump (which can typically pump about 60 gallons per minute). To be completely safe, invest in a full system sump pump, which most definitely includes a battery back-up.

SUMP DISCHARGE PIPE FROZE — If the pipe isn’t pitched properly, water will collect and eventually freeze, causing a blockage. Because what goes up must come down, the water falls right back into your sump pit. When the pit continues to fill up, the water has no place to go but all over your basement floor. Making sure this area has adequate heat will solve

EACH SPRING is a great time to have your sump pump checked to make sure it is working properly before the rains come. To help with this, make sure it is plugged in properly, then remove the lid from the pump. Remove this and pour in about a gallon of water or so, and it should kick on.

OLD AGE means time just flies by these days, Sump pumps should be replaced every five to seven years to be reasonably safe. The phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” will certainly catch up with you. The expense of cleaning up after a flood and your time will be 10-fold over the cost of replacement. Important to know when it is time to replace, and be proactive.

A failed sump pump can lead to a ‘huge costly mess’ and many insurance policies may not cover this type of water damage from a failed pump. Regular maintenance and testing of your sump pump is crucial in saving your time and money in the long run. My Service Technicians are always available to give you peace of mind.

As spring approaches, now is a good time to make some quick checks around the house. . .

To prevent possible plumbing issues that may occur, check the bathroom, kitchen, appliances, equipment and more common areas, both within and outside the home. Approach it as an extension of your regular spring cleaning.

Inspect your drains, gutters and downspouts to ensure proper operation; make sure all areas are clear and free of debris. If this spring brings an extra rainy season, you want to be prepared. Debris build up can clog drains and gutters, which in turn can cause leaks and water damage as well as mold growth. Also check that your vents and plumbing vents are free from leaves, sticks or the possible bird nest.

Check Your Hose Bib in the Spring

Check for leaky faucets – If the water supply pipe has frozen, it may have expanded and caused a crack. If this has happened, contact Central before water damage occurs.

Stop Flooding Check Your Sump Pump for Proper Function

The most important thing you can do to keep your plumbing system safe this spring is to make sure your sump pump is primed and ready for extra work. To test and make sure that is is properly working, pour a few buckets of water into the sump pit. The pump should kick on in a few seconds, allow the flow of water and then turn itself off automatically. If it does not do it, call your Central and have the sump pump seen right away by a professional – before it completely burns out.

Other Plumbing Repair Tips

To help save water and money, check the faucet in the kitchen and bathroom for leaks.

Make sure that there are filters on drains. This will help prevent hair, soap and other substances that may block your drains.

Check your toilet for leaks. A fast and inexpensive way to do this is to put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If there is a leak, the food color will end up in the bowl within half an hour. While you’re at it, check out the bowl for any cracks or leaks.

Check your toilets to make sure they are flushing correctly. If you must hold or shake the handle, you need to replace the parts of the toilet which are responsible for flushing. They do not cost much and in fact will save you money on your water bill.

Finally, clean your shower head with vinegar to remove mineral deposits that can clog. I know most people don’t know this little trick of the trade. Take a Zip Loc bag and fill it with white vinegar. Place the Zip Loc bag on the shower head in place and wrap the bag with a few heavy rubber bands securing the bag to the shower head. Leave for 24 hrs and the mineral deposits should breakdown leaving your shower clean as a whistle.

Completing this inspection now will prepare your home for the heavy rains of spring and will help you discover sooner and not later any damages caused by a long, cold winter.